Top 10 Guitar Players

Okay, I’m sure you’ve gotten an argument with your buddies at some point, comparing who you think are the top 10 guitar players of all time. We’ve all been there, but here’s the thing that few realize. Music isn’t competition, it’s not about who’s the best at this or that. Plus, there are so many musical genres, that to compare let’s say a metal master and a blues king doesn’t really work all that well. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.

When all is said and done, there’s still many guitarists that most people consider to be the best, and every time these types of lists come up, you will typically find their names are mentioned. These guitar players are arguably the most skilled at a specific technique, or are the most influential guitarists to other aspiring musicians, and that’s why they appear on my top 10 guitar players list.

As for me, this is probably my top 10 list of guitar players:

1. Jimi Hendrix
Need I say more? Jimi Hendrix is commonly found at the top of every “top guitarists” list! He turned the electric guitar into musicl science, playing around with sounds never before dreamed of on the electric guitar. Hendrix’s style of raw, fuzzy, feedback-y sound is instantly recognizable, and he has been the influence for very many younger guitarists. His stage presence is also one of the most mind-blowing and electrifying. “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” set the foundation for a towering monument of rock that stands to this day.

2. Jimmy Page
Another Jimmy! The Led Zeppelin guitar master has been very influential to a lot of rockers nowadays, and his guitar licks are legendary and instantly recognizable. His solo of “Heartbreaker” is immortal, and “Black Dog” and “Stairway to Heaven” are unshakable rock classics. And no one else I know has ever had a guitar solo using a violin bow? That’s from “Dazed and Confused”,

3. BB King
When you say blues, everything all boils down to its master and ambassador: BB King. He paved the way for the newer generation of blues players, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. BB King’s powerful bending and vibrato are classic blues techniques, still used today. Also, his guitar is also legendary – who else names their guitar Lucille?

4. Chuck Berry
You know that four-note riff that always reminds you of 50’s rock n’ roll? That came from Chuck Berry. Today's rock n’ roll wouldn’t be the same without the great song that is “Johnny B. Goode”!

5. Keith Richards
Keith Richards is a founding member of one of the age-defying, and arguably one of the most influential active rock bands The Rolling Stones. I know you are aware of that classic fuzzy three-note riff from “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”! For all the hits the Stones put out that became foundations of other hit songs, Keith Richards also deserves a spot on the top 10 guitarists list.

6. Kirk Hammett
Metal was never the same Metallica hit the scene. Kirk Hammett redefined heavy metal rock with the pounding solos of “Master of Puppets” and, arguably their most popular song, “Enter Sandman”.

7. Carlos Santana
If you want to talk about instantly recognizable tone, there’s the undisputed King master of Latin-infused rock, Carlos Santana. Before his now-popular jams with other artists, he was a Latin-rhythm purist, improvising with solos that are full of passion and spiritual meaning. Before hits like “Smooth”, there were the soaring, sustained instrumental solos of “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Child)” and the like.

8. Kurt Cobain
The misunderstood genius, Kurt Cobain single-handedly ended the era of 80’s hair metal in a totally different way. He favored simple, heavy tunes instead of hair metal’s theatric style, and it reflected better the angst of the time. His most memorable contribution to rock and roll was the original anthem of misunderstood generations, the four-chord monster “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

9. The Edge
While many guitar players think of skill as playing at finger-blinding speed, The Edge is known for playing short, spare, and precise repetitive solos. But he and his rolling delay effects created the most passionate, most anthemic rock songs in history, from “Bad” to “Where The Streets Have No Name”. With the Edge at the lead, it’s hard not to scream in triumph.

10. Eric Clapton
A true son of the blues, Eric Clapton had influences in rock, creating classics like “Layla” with his early band Derek and the Dominoes, and progressing to one of the most recognizable blues guitarists, from “Bell Bottom Blues” to his heartbreaking “Tears In Heaven”.

I know for a fact that most people will have a much different list of top ten guitar players than mine, but that's the effect of growing up with varying musical backgrounds. There are countless talented guitarists from many different genres to choose from. Whoever you decide to pick as your top 10 guitarists says a lot about your favorite styles, as well as your personality as a guitarist. Till then, keep on rocking!

Johnny B. Goode